Iga Swiatek ‘keeps focus’ against Yulia Putintseva to set up Caroline Wozniacki clash in Indian Wells quarter-finals

Iga Swiatek swept past Yulia Putintseva to set up a meeting with Caroline Wozniacki in the Indian Wells quarter-finals.

World No. 1 Swiatek hit 17 winners as she beat Putintseva 6-1 6-2 in 71 minutes.

Swiatek is into the last eight for the third year in a row at Indian Wells and will next face Wozniacki, who beat fellow mum and former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2.

“I think she’s playing great even after the maternity break,” Swiatek said about Wozniacki, who returned to the tour last summer after three-and-a-half years away.

“She was fighting to come back. I have huge respect. I’m going to prepare like any other, but off the court she’s a great person.”

Swiatek is yet to drop a set at Indian Wells and was in control from the start against Putintseva as she won eight successive games from 1-1.

Her 17th victory of the season ties her with Elena Rybakina and Emma Navarro for the most on the WTA Tour.

Putintseva tried to mix things up in the second set by going for more shots and even throwing in an underarm serve, but it was no to avail.

“I just knew I had to keep my focus because she was trying some different stuff out there,” said Swiatek. “But I really wanted to just play my game and focus on what I wanted to do.

“I can only be responsible for what’s going on with me. I want to keep my standards high no matter what’s going on, and I think this match was a test for my mental training that I did.

“I’m happy with the way I was focused and really just, I didn’t really care about what’s going on. I’m prepared that many things can happen on court.”

Wozniacki reached her first WTA 1000 quarter-final since 2019 by beating Kerber in their first meeting in six years.

Kerber rallied from 5-1 down in the first set to 5-4, but after getting medical attention on her foot, Wozniacki broke again to take the set.

Wozniacki moved into another commanding lead in the set and this time there was no comeback for Kerber, who had treatment on her back and fired two backhands into the net to hand Wozniacki the win.

The rivalry between Wozniacki and Kerber is now level at 8-8.

“I could see her struggling with her back,” said Wozniacki.

“I’m just happy I won. I don’t take anything for granted. I took a very long break. To be back here in this sport, I’m just enjoying myself. I’m thrilled I get another match.”

Swiatek and Wozniacki have met once before in Toronto in 2019. The Pole was a qualifier then and upset Wozniacki in three sets.

“Obviously, she’s playing good tennis, playing powerfully,” said Wozniacki.

“I practised with her as well a few times after I have come back, during the US Open as well. I know how she plays, but it’s one thing knowing how she plays and also playing against her in a full match.

“I know that I have to play my best tennis to compete against her, and that’s what I hope to do.”

Anastasia Potapova reached the quarter-finals as she ended Jasmine Paolini’s seven-match win streak with a 7-5 0-6 6-3 win.

She will next face Marta Kostyuk, who beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4 6-1 to make her first career WTA 1000 final eight.